A well paved patio can make a big difference on how your outdoor entertaining area looks like. If it is properly installed, paved patio is easy to maintain, lasts longer and any underground services are easy to make by just replacing the existing blocks.

Decks can rot and chip away or collapse for various reasons, where as patios have less deterioration! I would prefer paved patio over deck in every sense -- appearance, durability, etc. It is less expensive, wide area can be covered with comfortable look and feel.